CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Family Policy Council of West Virginia called on the Kanawha County Board of Education Tuesday to withdraw a proposed addition of “sexual orientation” to its “cultural diversity” policies. The proposal, which is presently in the public comment stage, would mandate that “all persons employed by Kanawha County Schools” attend orientation on “cultural diversity” and “human relations” as part of instruction on “sexual orientation.”

“Individuals who object to the promotion of homosexual behavior to impressionable children shouldn’t be penalized for those beliefs,” said Jeremy Dys, president and general counsel of the Family Policy of West Virginia. “The Board of Education should be concentrating on improving reading, writing, and arithmetic instead of promoting behavior that is unhealthy, unwise, and undermines the right of parents to direct the moral upbringing of their children.”

The policy change would result in the promotion of homosexual behavior in district schools, including the implementation of curriculum and policies that affirm and encourage such behavior. In addition, according to Dys, employees who do not complete the “diversity” training could have their paychecks withheld, even though that training would violate their right of conscience.

“Forcing individuals to participate in or promote something that violates their conscience to receive a paycheck is unconstitutional,” said Dys. “Neither the government nor an employer should make people choose between their beliefs about sexual behavior and their job.”

Dys is encouraging parents and concerned citizens to contact school board General Counsel James Withrow at 304-348-7730 or jwithrow@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us to politely express opposition to the proposal. The deadline for public comment is July 1.

The Family Policy Council of West Virginia advocates for policies that embrace the sanctity of human life, enrich marriage, and safeguard religious freedom. Advancing, defending, and equipping West Virginia’s families on the web at www.familypolicywv.com.